I’m putting up (not me but my contractor) an 1800sq.ft addition to our Vermont house. The architect originally specified cedar clapboard siding. My intent was to use pre-primed clapboard, prime all end cuts, re-prime the face once it’s up and then two coats of an opaque Cabots stain. (prime to be oil based).
My contractor has noted that pre-primed hemlock is being used a bit up there. I went to a building supply store and sure enough, they carried it (about 30% cheaper than cedar).
I could use some feedback on the hemlock- we plan on keeping the house for the long haul. The local stores here in CT don’t seem to carry it.
Also what is the guidelines for reveal when using 6″ clapboard.
Thanks in advance…
Carmo
Replies
It might differ there in the Northeast, but here in the Pacific Northwest it would be highly unusual to use hemlock for an exterior barrier, like siding. It cups, splits, cracks, and doesn't hold paint. And after all that, it doesn't have the natural decay resistance cedar has. No way I'd expose it to the weather around here.
Of course, most of the cedar we see these days is second growth too, so unless you are willing to pay for "clear", you'd still be better served with fiber cement.
Thanks Jim. From all the feedback so far I'm going to spend the extra and use the cedar...I'm not one to save a dollar today and spend five tomorrow as a result...